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What are the benefits of opening up?

Many of us lead busy lives, so it’s easy to keep your worries under wrap.

It can be very lonely, believing that you are the only one experiencing such painful feelings, when you are going through a difficult time.

Sometimes, it’s easier to put on a ‘front’ to cover up how you’re really feeling. But keeping quiet is exhausting and can eventually lead to feelings of frustration.

While we all have our own ways of coping, information and support can make a huge difference.

It often feels easier to bottle up your emotions than confront them, but this can sometimes cause your worries to grow bigger, and lead to feelings of isolation.

Speaking to a family member or a friend you trust about how you feel is just one way to alleviate suppressed feelings, and gives you a chance to discuss what's bothering you.

Having a listening ear can be a comfort, and can be a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. They may even be able to help explore routes you can take to solve the problem.

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a friend or family member, it may be worth speaking to a professional about your feelings.

Counselling offers a place where you can speak openly in a non-biased and non-judgemental environment. They can help explore your feelings and suggest useful tools and strategies to help you cope.

Counselling can also allow you to see things from a different perspective, helping you to think rationally. Offloading your problems can help to diminish uncomfortable feelings such as shame or guilt, and can help you to heal.

Whichever route you choose to pick, it’s good to know that there is always support available for you and you don’t need to feel alone. If counselling is a route you would like to try, please visitCounselling Directoryto find a counsellor near you.

You can callThe Samaritansif you're struggling for free 24 hours a day from any phone on 116 123.